Newcastle's Lost World
On display until 15 February 2026
The sand at Newcastle’s Canoe Pool hides the secrets of a vanished map of the world.
A unique pool was built in 1937 for children. It disappeared over time and today is remembered by many names: the Young Mariners’ Pool, the Map Pool and the World Pool. This exhibition resurfaces the lost world and its place in Newcastle’s history.
Although the World Pool disappeared decades ago, it still sparks people’s imaginations. Generations of Novocastrians have wondered about the World Pool. Where did it come from? Why did it disappear? And what if digging here could uncover a lost world?
Image credit: Young Mariners’ Pool
Rose Stereograph co negative, c. 1937
Courtesy of Greg and Sylvia Ray.
